Pistol

Unlike the three previous installments (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) the Hidden Blade is not equipped with a Hidden Gun in Assassin's Creed III. Instead Connor has the ability to use pistols. These are powerful, short-range, flintlock firearms. There are several differences between using the Hidden Gun, and using a pistol. If you are not in aim mode then you will fire the pistol at the nearest highlighted enemy. While aiming manually a circle reticle will designate your target. You must also reload the pistol between each shot, though there are some double barreled varieties that will allow you to fire two shots in quick succession, and "duckfoot" pistols that fire a spread of rounds. You may move while reloading, even at a full sprint, but you are vulnerable to enemy attacks. It is advised to fire your pistol to thin the crowd, or eliminate a stronger opponent, and then use a different weapon to continue the fight. This weapon may also be used for a counter-kill by:

Choose the pistol in the weapon wheel.

Engage in open conflict.

Use the counter button, then secondary button (B/O, then Y/Triangle).

Connor can also take muskets from his enemies, or gun racks. These work like the pistol, but are longer to reload, more powerful, and have a longer range.